Am sure you have heard feedback from family and friends about some of their wedding vendor experiences, like:

A PA System that died just before the bridal party made their grand entrance into the reception area. A no-show DJ. A fruit cake that melted. A fruit cake that had too much brandy in it and started leaking. A cake that looked like the leaning tower of something (no it wasn’t a deliberate part of the design). A photographer who never delivered the photos. A videographer who spent 10 hours filming nothing – there was just no footage after the wedding. A florist who did not turn up at all after being paid. An MC who double-booked himself and was trying to conduct a whole reception programme in 2 hours; An MC who got stage fright; An MC who got drunk. A hiring company that never delivered the chairs.
The Golden Rule for choosing your wedding vendors is “listen to your wedding planner.” If you have opted not to hire a wedding planner then you need to ensure you choose vendors through reputable, tried and tested recommendations. When you get into your key vendor selection, be aware of that everyone in your family and every friend of yours claims to know someone who does “the best décor”, “the best wedding cakes”, “the best outfits” and everyone knows “the best DJ, photographer and videographer.” Please check references regardless of who has recommended these vendors to you. Also make sure that the final decision is yours, and that no one has twisted your arm or made you feel obligated to choose a certain vendor.

Making vendor decisions without taking all factors into consideration is not worth the stress and regret. This is where your wedding planner has the most value to contribute to your wedding day, and you need to trust him/her to lead this process.
To ensure that you pick good vendors, always do the following:
Use checklists/questionnaires when meeting potential vendors.
Always request for work samples where possible.
Always ask for at least 3 references, and check those references.
Ensure that they give you enough information on how to contact them and where to find them.
Ensure you get contracts from every vendor. Read those contracts carefully before making a commitment.

Remember:
Vendors are professionals – experts in their field. They are creatives – artists. Don’t go hiring the best and then expect the best to not have suggestions and input. You need to get the best out of your vendors and only you as a couple can elicit the best from them, by opening up, co-operating, providing the necessary information, and giving them room to work.

If you have been sitting on the fence about whether you need a wedding planner or not, now is the time to make the right decision and hire one before you start this process.